Fence tool



Feb. 27, 1934.

A. P. cox 1,948,904

FENCE TOOL Filed April 18, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet l /&

lnvenlor J'ierz P C'ow Feb. 27, 1934.

A. P. COX

FENCE TOOL Filed April 18, 1933 JZZerZ P Car 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 lnvenlorPatented Feb. 27, 1934 UNITED STATES FENCE TOOL Application April 18,1933. Serial No. 666,754

1 Claim.

This invention relates to a novel wire fence tool of a diversified typewhich may be used to all practical purposes in a number of diiferentways, such as for example, a wire tightener, a slack take-up implement,a wire splicer, and a staple puller.

In perfecting the preferred embodiment of the invention, I have evolvedand produced a simple, economical, and expeditiously usable tool whichis extremely handy for fence repair purposes, and which is otherwisesatisfactorily constructed to fulfill the requirements of the user tothe end that it has received unqualified endorsement by the trade.

Although the invention does not enter a wholly new or uncultivated fieldof endeavor, it embraces unique features which I believe render it moreadaptable for the purposes intended and characterize it as a worthycontribution to this particular classification of invention.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from thefollowing description and drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational view showing the manner in which the tool isinitially placed for slack take-up purposes and as a subsequent wirestretcher.

Figure 2 represents the second step in the operation.

Figure 3 represents the final eye-forming step wherein the eye may bethereafter utilized for convenient longitudinal drawing of the entirewires to enable it to be satisfactorily stapled to a post.

Figure 4 is a view showing the initial position of the tool whenemployed for wire splicing or repair purposes.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing the second step in theoperation.

Figure 6 illustrates the final step in this repair operation, and,

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the tool on a slightly enlarged scale.

As shown in Figure 7, the tool is generally distinguished by the numeral8. It is of appropriate proportion and preferably made from a sturdyiron rod 9. One end of the rod is formed with a loop 10 which serves asa handle as well as an adapter element to accommodate a separateimplement to be used as a handle for twisting and turning the tool.

The opposite end portion is bent at right angles as indicated at 11 andtapered to form a hook. This may be used as a. staple puller and used asshown in Figures 1 and 2 for slack takeup and wire stretching purposes.The intermediate portion of the rod is flattened as indicated at 12 andthen provided with a longitudinally elongated slot 13. This constitutesa winding 80 and reeling mandrel.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 3 inclusive wherein it will be observedthat the tool is used for slack take-up and wire stretching purposes, Ifirst call attention to Figure 1. Here the hook 11 is engaged over aloose wire 14. The tool and hook is so manipulated in an obvious manneras to form an eye 15 as shown in Figure 2 which eye is twisted therequisite number of turns or convolutions as indicated at 16 in Figure3. The formation of this eye takes up limited slack in the wire itself.The eye also provides means whereby the tool can be temporarily andsecurely attached to the wire to pull it longitudinally and to allow itto be fastened on a post (not shown). 15 In other words, it facilitatesinitial stapling or re-stapling of an old loose wire after it has beenstretched by using the tool in the manner described.

In using the tool for fence-wire repair or splicing purposes, it isemployed as illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6. Attention is now invitedto Figure 6 wherein it will be observed that one free end portion of thewire is distinguished by the numeral 17 this being formed into a loop 18by twisting the extremity of the wire as indicated at 19 and usingpliers or the like for the purpose.

The complemental wire is denoted by the numeral 20 and this has its freeend also formed with a corresponding loop 21. The inserted or repairwire 22 is preferably of an easily bendable or flexible character, butmust, of course, possess requisite strength. Here again, one end of thewire 22 is formed with a loop as at 23 attached to the first loop 18thereby connecting the two wires 17 and 22 together. Then the free endor right hand end portion of the wire 22 is drawn through the remainingloop 21 and cut off to the desired length, allowing for final fasteningof the wire-end.

The free end of the wire 22 is drawn through the loop 21 and then passedthrough the slot 13 in the flat mandrel portion 12 of the tool. Then thetool is rotated axially to twist or coil the wire around the mandrel asindicated at 23. This draws the two wires 17 and 20 together from theposition shown in Figure 4 to the position shown in Figure 5. Then thetool 8 is turned around the wire 22 so as to twist the wire-ends asindicated at 24 in Figure 6. Consequently the 110 repair wire 22 is thusinserted and securely anchored in place.

The looped end 12 of the tool serves as a handle as before stated, andalso as a retention element for an individual implement or tool whichmay be necessary in twisting and turning the tool in places where thewire is of stout formation.

Particular emphasis is placed on the flat hammered central portion 12defining the so-called mandrel or shaft on which the wire is wound asindicated at 23 in Figure 5. This flattened portion is of apredetermined portion and aids considerably in coiling the wire as wellas twisting it around itself as indicated in Figure 6. Moreover, itpermits uncoiling of the remaining portion or" the wire so that the toolcan be detached. The elongated slot 13 provides a convenient means foranchoring or attaching the extremity of the wire 22 to the tool to startthe reeling operation.

A careful consideration of the foregoing description in conjunction withthe illustrative drawings will enable the reader to obtain a clearunderstanding of the purpose, features and advantages, the explicitconstruction, and the invention as hereinafter claimed.

It is to be understood that minor changes in shape, size, relativeproportions, and materials may be resorted to in practice withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the inventionas now claimed.

I claim:

In a tool of the class described, a one-piece bar of elongated formhaving the intermediate portion thereof flattened to form fiat, wireengaging sides, said flat intermediate portions being formed with anelongated wire receiving slot opening out through said flat sides forthe passage of a length of wire, the end portions of said elongated barbeing free for manual engagement.

ALBERT P. COX.

